The last few days of term were a flurry of packing and farewells. Trunks were hauled down from dormitories, owls were sent with last-minute messages, and the castle buzzed with the happy, chaotic energy of impending freedom. For Ariana's newly-formed group, it was a time of mixed emotions.
They sat together on the sun-drenched lawn sloping down to the lake, their final afternoon as a collective. Daphne and Tracey, now fully integrated into the group, were discussing their summer travel plans to France. Ron was excitedly detailing the Weasleys' upcoming trip to Egypt, funded by his father's grand prize from the Daily Prophet. Harry was trying to sound cheerful about returning to the Dursleys, though the dread was plain on his face.
"It's only for a few weeks, Harry," Hermione said, trying to be reassuring. "We'll write all the time."
"Of course," Harry said, forcing a smile.
Ariana, who had been quietly observing the group dynamic, knew that this summer would be different for Harry. The Dursleys' power over him was waning. He had a world of friends now, a network of support they couldn't sever.
On the final morning, as students were making their last checks and heading towards the waiting carriages, a school owl found Ariana. It carried a single, sealed note from the Headmaster, requesting her presence in his office before her departure.
She found Dumbledore standing by his window, looking out over the peaceful grounds. Fawkes trilled a soft, welcoming melody from his perch.
"Ariana," Dumbledore began, turning to her with a warm smile. "Another eventful year comes to a close. I trust your independent study in Defence has been fruitful?"
"It was adequate, Professor," she replied. "Significantly more so than the alternative would have been."
He chuckled softly. "Indeed. I am calling on behalf of Nicolas and Perenelle. They have extended another invitation for you to spend the summer with them in Devon. They were, to put it mildly, exceptionally impressed with their first apprentice."
It was a tempting offer. A summer of high alchemy, ancient magic, and profound knowledge, away from the noise and distractions of the world. A logical, productive use of her time.
But Ariana had other plans. Her focus was shifting. Last summer had been about consolidating her own power and knowledge. This summer needed to be about strengthening her key alliances and laying the groundwork for the battles to come.
"That is an incredibly generous offer, Professor," she said respectfully. "And I am grateful for it. However, I must decline."
Dumbledore's eyebrows rose in surprise. "Oh? May I ask why?"
"I have my own arrangements for the summer," Ariana explained. "I have secured a small, magically-warded residence in London for myself. There are… projects I wish to undertake. Research at the Ministry archives, practical applications of certain theories I have been developing. It requires proximity to the city."
She paused, then added the more critical part of her plan. "I also intend to visit Harry."
Dumbledore's expression softened. "Ah. I am sure he would appreciate that very much."
"My intention is not merely social," Ariana continued, her gaze direct. "Sometime in mid-August, I plan to take him on a short trip. I believe it is time he saw it for himself."
"Saw what, my dear?" Dumbledore asked, his curiosity piqued.
"Godric's Hollow," Ariana stated simply. The name hung in the air between them. It was not just a place; it was a wound, a monument, a beginning and an end. It was the site of the Potters' home, their last stand, their murder. It was a place Dumbledore had likely kept Harry from for his own protection, to shield him from the pain of the memory.
"He has the album," Ariana said, anticipating his objection. "He has seen the images of their life. Now he needs to see the context of their sacrifice. He needs to stand where they stood, to understand the reality of what they gave for him. It is a necessary part of his emotional and psychological development. He cannot be the hero everyone expects him to be if he doesn't fully understand the legacy he carries."
Dumbledore looked at her, at this young girl who spoke of Harry's emotional trauma with the cleareyed logic of a mind-healer. She was right, of course. She was profoundly, unassailably right. He had been shielding Harry from the pain, but in doing so, he may have been stunting his growth.
"A very wise and very brave plan, Ariana," he said, his voice heavy with respect. "I will not stand in your way. I will even ensure you a portkey for that specific journey, to ensure your safety and privacy."
"Thank you, Professor," she said. "That will be most efficient."
With their business concluded, Ariana made her way to the Hogwarts Express. The journey back to London was a lively affair. Their compartment, now expanded to accommodate Daphne and Tracey, was filled with chatter and laughter. As they neared King's Cross, the conversation inevitably turned back to summer plans.
"So, Ariana, you never said where you'll be staying," Daphne said, leaning forward with a hopeful, almost predatory glint in her eyes that was pure Slytherin charm. "My family has a townhouse in London. You would be more than welcome to stay with us for a week or two. It would be far more comfortable than an orphanage."
Before Ariana could reply, Hermione bristled, her competitive instincts flaring. "That's very kind of you, Daphne, but Ariana already knows my family's home is open to her! We had a wonderful time during the closure, and my parents have been asking when she'll visit again."
An unspoken rivalry had been simmering between the two brilliant witches all term, a friendly but intense competition for the position of Ariana's closest confidante. Daphne saw Ariana as a powerful political and social ally. Hermione saw her as her truest and most profound intellectual and emotional equal. Now, their rivalry was out in the open.
Harry, Ron, and Tracey watched the exchange with a mixture of amusement and apprehension, like spectators at a tennis match between two grandmasters.
Ariana, the prize they were vying for, simply held up a calming hand. "I appreciate both of your offers immensely," she said, her voice a placid sea that quelled their rising competitive tides. "However, I have already secured my own residence for the summer. I
have a great deal of independent work to accomplish."
Both girls looked crestfallen.
"But," Ariana continued, giving them a small, diplomatic smile, "that does not mean a visit is out of the question. My schedule is… flexible. If I find myself with free time, I will inform you both. It would likely only be for a day or two, but I would be happy to see you."
It was a masterful stroke of neutrality. She had not chosen a side. She had validated both offers while maintaining her own independence, leaving them both with a sense of hope but no victory. Daphne and Hermione exchanged a look—a shared, momentary glance of mutual frustration and respect for the girl they both so admired. The battle for
Ariana's summer was not over; it had merely been postponed.
As the train pulled into the station, Ariana looked at her friends—her team. The brave hero, the loyal heart, the ambitious strategist, the quiet supporter, and the brilliant mind.
The foundations were strong. This summer would be one of preparation. Because she knew what was coming next year. Sirius Black was about to escape from Azkaban. The Dementors were coming to Hogwarts. And the truth about Peter Pettigrew was waiting to be revealed. Her summer of quiet projects was going to be very busy indeed.